Risk-Based Approach to Breast Cancer Prevention Among Adolescents and Young Adult Females
Keywords:
Breast cancer, Adolescents, Young adults, Risk-based prevention, EpidemiologyAbstract
Introduction: Breast cancer, although predominantly a disease of older women, is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents and young adult (AYA) females, aged 15–39 years. This emerging trend necessitates a shift from traditional prevention strategies to a more nuanced, risk-based approach tailored for this younger population. The aim of this review is to explore the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies specifically designed for AYA females. Despite increasing awareness, a significant gap exists in understanding how risk stratification can guide prevention in this age group, which is often excluded from routine screening programs and underrepresented in breast cancer research.
Methodology: A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Keywords included “breast cancer,” “adolescents,” “young adults,” “risk-based prevention,” and “epidemiology.” Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing breast cancer epidemiology, risk assessment models, and preventive interventions applicable to the AYA population. Narrative synthesis was employed to integrate findings across diverse study designs.
Results: The review highlights an increasing incidence of breast cancer in AYAs, with risk factors such as genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA1/2 mutations), lifestyle behaviors, environmental exposures, and reproductive history playing a significant role. Risk-based approaches, including personalized risk assessment tools, genetic counseling, and lifestyle modification programs, were found to be promising yet underutilized in this age group.
Conclusion: There is a critical need for targeted, evidence-based prevention strategies that consider the unique biological, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics of AYA females. Implementing a risk-based framework may enhance early detection and reduce long-term breast cancer burden in this vulnerable population.
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